The drug Diclofenac is part of a class of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This drug is prescribed to reduce pain, tenderness, or swelling caused by the diseases osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Diclofenac functions by inhibiting the production of nucleic acids that lead to inflammation. This can be beneficial to those suffering from the osteoarthritis and related diseases, but it also leads to some negative side effects.

Risks and Side Effects

The inhibitors in Diclofenac act on the entire body which may result in preventing some organs from their proper function. This can lead to mild side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, headache, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. These side effects can, however, lead to more serious problems, or be the indication of a serious and life-threatening side effect.

As with other NSAIDs, people who take Diclofenac may be at a higher risk for stroke or heart attack. This is especially true if Diclofenac is taken pre- or post- cardiac surgery, the patient has a history of heart disease or high blood pressure or if Diclofenac is taken for a long period of time.

Diclofenac may also cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These issues may develop at any time while taking the drug, can happen without warning or any apparent symptoms and can be life-threatening. The risk in developing these problems increases if the drug is taken over a long duration, those older in age, people who are in poor health, or those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Diclofenac.

Diclofenac Lawsuit Information

In 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that Diclofenac posed similar risks for cardiac arrest or stroke as those associated with the well known NSAID, Vioxx. It also advised that Diclofenac should not be prescribed to patients with heart disease or high blood pressure. Even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not discovered any conclusive evidence between the relationship of cardiovascular problems and Diclofenac, it has called for further review. In April 2005, the FDA announced that all prescription NSAIDs -- including Diclofenac --should carry a 'black box' warning about the cardiovascular risks associated with taking it.

Otherwise, there are no outstanding lawsuits against the manufacturers of Diclofenac or related substances. If, however, one were to experience any problems while taking the drug Diclofenac, it would be advisable that they contact a personal injury lawyer specializing in product liability as soon as possible. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to make the drug as safe as reasonably possible, and if their product causes serious injury, they should be held liable.

If you or a loved one has experienced problems with the drug Diclofenac, there are several steps that can be taken to expedite the legal process. Gather all known information about the patient, including medical history, length of time that the drug was used, what the symptoms were, and how long they lasted. This will help a lawyer determine the strength of their case, and will make the legal process much less painful to endure, as well as making it more rewarding in the end.

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